Brazil's lower house approves tax reform bill in first round, awaits second round

A general view shows the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies during a session to vote on a constitutional amendment that increases the government spending ceiling in Brasilia, Brazil December 20, 2022. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/File Photo

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's lower house of Congress approved on Thursday in a first-round of voting the main text of a tax reform that will restructure the country's complex consumption taxes.

Such reform has been attempted previously by various governments without success, and it is a key step in President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's plan to boost growth.